New scanner in University Hospital Kerry is working on a limited capacity

The new Dexa scanner which was launched at University Hospital Kerry in February is currently working on a limited capacity. The reason given is that the scanner is an advanced model which requires on-going upskilling of staff. According to the hospital, the operation of the Dexa scanner involves the provision of specialist training by the company who have provided the machine. This is required in order to ensure that the on-going maintenance of high standards of quality and patient safety at the University Hospital Kerry. The Dexa Scanner, bought by the ‘Friends of Kerry General Hospital’ at a cost of €110,000, measures the density or strength of the bones in the skeleton. Further training is to be provided at training courses and the hospital is funding 3 staff to attend a DEXA training course this coming June. This training requirement has meant that limited numbers of patients are being scanned to ensure that staff are sufficiently trained prior to further roll out of the service.